We want to give you an update on the Goodson Project in Olivenhain, thank you for your past support, and express the urgent need we have for funds to further advance our critical arguments, some of which have already made an impact.
The Development Services Department has found some portions of the project to be inconsistent with Encinitas Municipal Code. Goodson will be contesting their findings at the July 15th Planning Commission hearing. We anticipate the meeting will be held in person, and we encourage everyone to attend and wear a red shirt to express opposition.
Encinitas RRD will present our case at that same meeting. Our arguments are based on technical and fact-finding studies we commissioned from experts. The items below show that our persistence in uncovering Goodson’s tactics has been effective.
Some of the areas to be discussed during the hearing include:
Slope Analysis
Sites with 10% or more of slopes that exceed 25% grade fall under the protected Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone and result in specific restrictions. We reported to City Staff our belief that some slopes were calculated inaccurately to fall within the range that would allow maximum development of the site. We used highly accurate LiDAR readings to expose potential errors.
Alternate Massing
Alternate massing studies show there are ways to build lower profile, less massive structures at the same density. The city hired a consultant who determined the project could be built in 4 stories, no higher than 39’. Goodson’s team has objected. We are looking to fund an expert rebuttal to their analysis.
Dark Skies
The project includes luxury roof top amenities (pool, clubhouse, spa, etc.) which would be lit at night in violation of EMC Dark Skies code for Olivenhain. After we pointed this out to planning staff, they have called it out, but Goodson’s team is arguing against it.
Affordable Housing
The latest plan submittal designated only studios and small one-bedroom apartments for low-income residents. Removing the two and three bedroom apartments from this category would have a disparate impact on families with children, a protected class under both the federal Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Wildfire Evacuation
An item that has not been openly addressed by any city official and is the most concerning to the community is the impact this project would have on wildfire evacuation for Olivenhain and surrounding communities. We have submitted an extensive wildfire study that demonstrates the severe shortfalls of our outdated evacuation plan. Its findings suggest that the proposed 283-unit project with 472 on-site cars at one of two main points of egress would only make a dire situation worse.
We hope you can attend the July 15th meeting. You may also help by contacting the commissioners in the weeks prior by emailing your concerns to dgay@encinitasca.gov.
NOW IS THE TIME TO HELP with either time or money. Please take advantage of North County Advocates current donation match.
Donations can be made via PayPal on our website at EncinitasRRD.org.
Or checks can be written to North County Advocates. Please note Encinitas RRD in the memo line and mail to:
Encinitas RRD
2240 Encinitas Blvd., Suite D-336
Encinitas, CA 92024
Thank you for your continued support!
